#non native

A pair of rosy faced lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis) in Phoenix, Arizona, originally from Southwestern Africa

Queen Anne's lace

Daucus carota 🥕

Aka wild carrot, birds nest, bishop's lace,

Queen Anne's lace is found in waste areas and roadsides. They flower from April to October. It's native to Euope and SW Asia. It has been naturalized in America and Australia.

Root tea was used as a diuretic, to prevent and eliminate urinary stones and worms. Seeds were used as contraceptive.

A subspecies of Queen Anne's lace (D.carota subsp.satvus) is grown as a food crop(cartots). They have an edible root when young. Flowers are sometimes battered and fried. Leaves and seeds are also edible.

Queen Anne's lace is sometimes grown as a companion plant to crops. They attract beneficial insects in thier native range. They also help with tomatoes and lettuce. In some states however, it's considered a noxious weed.

In some flower languages it symbolizes sanctuary.

May cause dermatitis and blisters. It also looks a lot like poison hemlock.

Sources

Wikipedia Daucus carota

Peterson Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs of Eastern and Central North America. 3rd Edition pg 85-86

Common Name: Mugwort.

Scientific Name: Artemisia vulgaris.

Where I Saw It: This picture is from the bike trail, but honestly it grows all over the place, including in my backyard.

Can I Eat It? Yes!  The leaves can be used as a seasoning in food or to make tea, and the young shoots can be eaten as a vegetable.

Native Range: Europe, Asia, Northern Africa, Alaska.

How It Behaves in New York: It’s a common wild plant here, and is apparently considered by some to be invasive.

Reasons to Like It: Tea!  Seasoning!  Edible!